Capitalizing on the AUD/NZD Upside Bias Amid Economic Data Releases

Introduction

The AUD/NZD currency pair has recently shown a strong bullish bias, driven by both technical indicators and upcoming economic data releases. Traders who are attuned to these factors have a potential opportunity to capitalize on this trend. In this article, we’ll delve into the specifics of this setup, focusing on key support levels, candlestick patterns, and the implications of the upcoming Australian wage data.

Technical Analysis

The AUD/NZD pair is currently holding above a significant support level around the 1.0940 region. This level has proven to be resilient, with price action suggesting that the pair is struggling to move decisively higher but is nonetheless maintaining its bullish stance. On August 5th, the pair formed a hammer reversal bar, a strong bullish signal indicating potential upward momentum. This was followed by a bullish engulfing bar on August 8th, further reinforcing the likelihood of an upward move.

Traders should be particularly attentive to the 1.0976 level. A break above this level would confirm the bullish bias, potentially opening the door for a move towards the next significant target around the 1.1015 region. This setup suggests that while the market is currently in a state of indecision, the technical indicators are pointing towards a potential breakout to the upside.

Fundamental Analysis

On the fundamental front, the focus is on the upcoming wage data from Australia. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has recently adopted a more hawkish stance, largely due to persistent inflationary pressures. The RBA does not anticipate a recession and remains concerned about inflation, which suggests that further interest rate hikes are on the table.

If the wage data, set to be released early tomorrow morning, comes in higher than expected, it would likely bolster the AUD. This, in turn, would strengthen the AUD/NZD pair, pushing it higher as the market prices in the likelihood of continued monetary tightening by the RBA.

Given that the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) is set to meet the following day, this creates a limited window of opportunity for traders. The market’s reaction to the Australian wage data will be crucial, as it will likely set the tone for the AUD/NZD pair heading into the RBNZ meeting.

Trading Strategy

For traders looking to capitalize on this setup, the strategy is relatively straightforward. Enter long positions above the 1.0976 level, with an initial target set at the 1.1015 region. This target corresponds to a significant resistance level, which, if reached, would represent a successful breakout from the current consolidation phase.

To manage risk, stop-loss orders should be placed just below the 1.0940 support level. This ensures that in the event of a bearish reversal, losses are minimized. Traders should also remain vigilant for the wage data release, as this will likely be the catalyst for the next major move in the AUD/NZD pair.

Conclusion

The AUD/NZD pair presents a compelling trading opportunity in the coming days, with both technical and fundamental factors aligning in favor of a potential upside move. Traders who are prepared to act on the Australian wage data release can use the outlined strategy to navigate this opportunity effectively. With the RBNZ meeting on the horizon, the next 48 hours could be pivotal for this currency pair, making it an essential watch for forex traders.

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